The Bucs announced on Wednesday that they designated defensive tackle Earnest Brown IV to return from injured reserve. This opens up a 21-day practice window in which Brown is eligible participate in practice and can be activated to the 53-man roster at any time during that time frame.
Brown was placed on injured reserve with a ribs injury on September 6, just three days before the start of the season when the Bucs defeated the Washington Commanders in Week 1. He had made the roster after training camp after previously playing for the Rams and signing with the 49ers but getting released in May.
Brown was expected to be in the rotation at defensive tackle, but Tampa Bay had to adjust quickly knowing Brown would be out for at least four games.
Bucs DT Room On The Mend
The defensive tackle room might be getting healthier all in an instance. Brown should be returning within the next three weeks, and starting second-year player Calijah Kancey “had a shot” to play last week if it were a Sunday game, according to Todd Bowles. There’s a chance Kancey could make his season debut against the Saints.
The Bucs also got lucky when it comes to their star nose tackle, Vita Vea, who was injured right before halftime in Week 2 and missed Week 3, but has since recovered well and recorded a sack in each of the last two games.
Another nice surprise for Tampa Bay recently has been the comeuppance of Logan Hall. He’s had a sack in three of the previous two games and now leads the Bucs in sacks of the season.
It appears that he’s added more to his pass rushing moves and has brought pressure in big situations. The interior of the defensive line has done a good job getting after the quarterback lately while the edge rushers are still finding their footing.
Tampa Bay is going to need all of their best player with the toughest part of their schedule coming soon.
